Jotham, the son of Uzziah (also known as Azariah), was the eleventh king of the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is chronicled in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Jotham's account is significant for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to strengthen the kingdom during a time of political and spiritual challenges.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Jotham was the son of King Uzziah and his mother was Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok (2 Kings 15:32-33; 2 Chronicles 27:1). He became king at the age of 25 and reigned for 16 years in Jerusalem. His reign is dated approximately from 750 to 735 BC. Jotham ascended to the throne while his father, Uzziah, was still alive but afflicted with leprosy, which rendered Uzziah unable to perform his royal duties (2 Kings 15:5).

Reign and Achievements

Jotham is noted for his righteous conduct and adherence to the ways of the Lord, following the example of his father Uzziah, albeit without repeating his father's mistake of unlawfully entering the temple (2 Chronicles 27:2). The Berean Standard Bible states, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done" (2 Kings 15:34).

During his reign, Jotham focused on fortifying the kingdom and enhancing its infrastructure. He built the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD and carried out extensive construction on the wall of Ophel (2 Chronicles 27:3). Additionally, he developed cities in the hill country of Judah and constructed fortresses and towers in the forests (2 Chronicles 27:4).

Jotham's military campaigns were also successful. He waged war against the Ammonites and secured a significant tribute from them, which they paid for three consecutive years (2 Chronicles 27:5). This tribute included a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley.

Spiritual and Political Context

Jotham's reign occurred during a period of relative stability in Judah, but it was also a time of spiritual decline among the people. Despite Jotham's personal faithfulness, the people continued in corrupt practices. The Bible notes, "But the people still behaved corruptly" (2 Chronicles 27:2). This spiritual condition set the stage for the challenges faced by his successor, Ahaz.

Politically, Jotham's reign was marked by the growing threat of the Assyrian Empire, which was expanding its influence in the region. Although Jotham managed to maintain Judah's independence during his reign, the geopolitical tensions would later impact his son Ahaz's rule.

Death and Legacy

Jotham died at the age of 41 and was buried in the City of David, the traditional burial place of the kings of Judah (2 Kings 15:38; 2 Chronicles 27:9). His son Ahaz succeeded him as king. Jotham's legacy is one of faithfulness and effective leadership, as he sought to strengthen Judah both spiritually and materially. His reign is remembered for its construction projects and military successes, which contributed to the stability of the kingdom during a tumultuous period in its history.